The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Tuesday) announced a funding package of over €300 million in 2018 towards the development of our cultural and creative heritage.

The Minister has secured an increase in funding to her Department of €13 million, comprising €9 million in current expenditure and €4 million in capital expenditure. This includes an €8.5 million boost in funding for arts and culture to accelerate the Creative Ireland Programme, which is designed to mainstream creativity in the life of the nation.

She has also secured an additional €90 million in capital funding between 2018 and 2021 to allow for multi-annual planning for the first time, to benefit our National Cultural Institutions.

Key highlights of Budget 2018:

An additional €3 million for the Arts Council, a 5% increase in its annual budget bringing it to €68 million (up 20% since 2014);

An increase of €1.5 million for the Irish Film Board, a 9% increase in its annual budget bringing it to €18 million (up 29% since 2014);

Department funding to Local Authorities for Creative Ireland initiatives doubled;

A 14% increase in funding for Culture Ireland (€3.5 million to €4 million);

An extra €2.5 million for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht;

€90 million in capital funding between 2018 and 2021, an increase of almost 50% for that period.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:

“It is an exciting moment for arts, culture and creativity in Ireland, from the opening of landmark exhibitions in our National Cultural Institutions to innovative community arts projects. Through Budget 2018, I am re-affirming my commitment to continued investment in the sector as the economy improves.

“The Creative Ireland Programme, which I launched last year, is already yielding positive results in both rural and urban communities, with more and more people engaging with creativity than ever before. I am determined to build on this momentum in 2018 by providing funding increases to key institutions, agencies and initiatives that deliver arts, creativity and culture right across the country.

“The Arts Council, which plays a crucial role in the direct funding and development of arts in Ireland, will receive an additional €3 million to enhance its support to artists and arts organisations of all sizes throughout the country. Although an autonomous body, the Council’s work builds on all pillars of the Creative Ireland Programme, and I look forward to continued successful collaboration with them in the year ahead.

“I am allocating a further €1.5 million to the Irish Film Board to build on its vital work in supporting Irish film, television drama, documentary and animation. Similarly, its work is key to the successful roll out of Pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland Programme, which is focussed on fostering Ireland’s potential as a centre of excellence in media production.

“Increasing access to arts, culture and creativity is the driving force of the Creative Ireland Programme, which is why I have allocated €1 million to accelerate the Creative Children initiative under Pillar 1 of the Programme. I am pleased to say that this will be matched by a further €1 million from my colleague Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Education and Skills, bringing the budget to €2 million for 2018. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the Arts Council."

Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh TD, said:

“Support of the Irish language and the sustainable development of our island communities will remain key priorities in 2018. Additional funding of €2.5 million will focus on the delivery of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 to increase the use and knowledge of Irish as a vibrant community language.

“I have ensured the strengthening of the language planning process in 2018 through a significant funding increase of €1.4 million. Údarás na Gaeltachta, which provides crucial support for enterprise and community development in Gaeltacht communities, will also benefit from additional funds, along with Language Support Schemes outside the Gaeltacht.”